Steam free-to-keep games are back on the menu, following a short reprieve during the Summer Sale, and PC gamers can currently claim a 2023 multiplayer action game, plus two bonus freebies, at no cost. While all of these games are available via the popular storefront, it’s worth highlighting that two of these items are available via the Steam Free-to-Keep Promotion, and the other is to get a game free before it becomes a paid, premium title.
For those unfamiliar, Steam’s Free-to-Keep Promotion makes a handful of games completely free to claim, download, and keep forever a handful of times per month. The only catch is that they must be claimed before a specific date. Meanwhile, sometimes developers want to take their free-to-play game on Steam and make it a paid title, with devs often announcing this ahead of time. In a perfect storm scenario almost, that promotion and policy is currently rewarding folks with a complete game for free, as well as some bonus freebies.
Steam has made Catch Me, an indie game developed and published by ByteRockers Games, completely free if claimed before July 17 at 10 am PT/1 pm ET. In it, players engage in a chaotic game of 4-player tag while dealing with traps, power-ups, and over-the-top antics in ways that make this Steam party game seem similar to Speedrunners. Players race through colorful maps, vault through windows, electrocute opponents, throw cats, and use the environment to stay one step ahead of their friends. With its easy-to-learn gameplay and emphasis on unpredictable multiplayer matches, Catch Me is built as a casual party game that’s all about creating hilarious moments.
Scratch & Peek
Identify the cover art while scratching off as little foil as
possible.
Steam’s Free-to-Keep Bonus for Mound Players
Aside from Catch Me, Steam users can also claim the Lost Explorers’ Swords Pack for The Mound: Omen of Cthulhu on Steam right now. The base game is paid, meaning Steam users must own The Mound, but it’s a free DLC pack that comes with two sword skins for those interested in using it. Obviously, paid DLC for free is not as good as a full game, but if anyone is enjoying The Mound, free’s free.
Steam Users Can Also Grab Escape Line for Free
Escape Line is a choice-driven psychological horror visual novel Steam game that blends mystery, sci-fi, and romance together. Escape Line players awaken on a strange island with no memories and must uncover the truth alongside three mysterious sirens, making decisions that shape multiple endings along the way. Rather than relying on action, the game leans into its atmosphere, character relationships, and philosophical themes, earning a “Very Positive” reception on Steam from players who enjoy narrative-heavy experiences.
However, Escape Line won’t remain free on Steam for much longer. Developer Mo-Ring announced that the game will switch to a $2 paid release in early August, stressing that the decision isn’t about making money but about setting healthier boundaries. According to the developer, the free release led to an unexpected wave of bad-faith criticism, including accusations that the game was AI-generated, demands for new features in exchange for changing negative reviews, and harassment over the story’s direction. Anyone who claims the game before the change will keep it permanently and continue receiving future updates and DLC for free, while the itch.io version will remain free for everyone.
